Electronic apparatus with fitting band

ABSTRACT

An electronic apparatus with a fitting band has a structure for containing conductive members in the fitting band which permits easy production of the fitting band and which improves the durability, design, fitting properties and so on of the fitting band containing the conductive members. 
     An end piece plate (21a) which forms an end piece (21) has recessed portions (21c) formed for holding pipes (50) and conductive wires (30) under predetermined pressure. A piece plate (31a) which forms a piece member (31) has recessed portions (31c) formed for containing, with play, the pipes (50) and the conductive wires (30). The conductive wires (30) which are passed through the pipes (50) are mounted on the end piece plate (21a) and the piece plate (31a) so as to rotatably connect the end piece (21) and the piece member (31) after assembly. Since the end piece (21) is fixed to the case band of a wrist watch, no load is applied to the connection portion at the ends (30a) of the conductive wires (30).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having afitting band, and particularly to the construction of an electronicwrist watch containing a battery, a wrist watch having the function tomeasure pulse, body temperature or the communicating function, or otherelectronic apparatus having a conductive member disposed in a fittingband.

BACKGROUND ART

Materials and structures of bands which are conventionally used in wristwatch-type electronic apparatus and which contain conductive memberstherein, structures for mounting a band on the case of a wrist watchtype electronic apparatus, and structures of band mounting portions ofthe case of a wrist watch type electronic apparatus are proposed inJapanese Laid-Open Utility Model Nos. 56-114492, 56-114493, 58-65908,58-77492 and 62-71589, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Nos. 63-197103 and1-279603, and Japanese Laid-Open Utility Model Nos. 3-30890, 3-30891 and3-30892.

All materials of the bands disclosed in the above publications arenon-metallic materials such as natural leather, artificial leather,insulating high-molecular resins, and elastomer fibers.

The band structures disclosed include a structure in which a magneticpowder is contained in leather, and a metallic piece is added to thewidthwise side of a band, a structure in which a flexible metallic platesuch as a foil or mesh is contained in leather, a structure in which aconductive high-molecular resin is contained in an insulatinghigh-molecular resin, a structure in which a flexible circuit substrateis contained in a resin, a structure in which a flexible sheet iscontained in a synthetic resin to provide a switching function, and astructure in which a wire is contained in a fabric having elasticity andcomprising elastomer fibers.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 63-197103 and 1-279603 also disclose astructure in which a conductor is passed zigzag through continuous linksof a metallic expansion band.

The structures for mounting a band on the case of a wrist watch typeelectronic apparatus include: a structure in which a band is mounted bya spring bar; a structure in which a band is mounted by holding itbetween a case band and a case back, both of which form a case of awrist watch type electronic apparatus; a structure in which a band isscrewed to a case of a wrist watch type electronic apparatus; and astructure in which a case of a wrist watch-type electronic apparatus anda band are integrated by holding the case of the wrist watch typeelectronic apparatus from the upper and lower sides thereof.

All band mounting portions of the cases of wrist watch-type electronicapparatus have a known "Roof-attached Horn style" structure on the caseof a wrist watch, except a structure in which the band and the case ofthe wrist watch-type electronic apparatus are integrated by holding acase of the wrist watch-type electronic apparatus from the upper andlower sides thereof.

Some electronic wrist watches have a solar cell, or a generating deviceprovided in the case of the watch so as to convert rotation of anoscillating weight into a coil current. In a watch having a generatingdevice, the electric power generated by the generating device is storedin a secondary battery (for example, a large-capacity capacitor havingan electrical double layer) which is contained in the case of the watchso that the driving motor, IC and a display of the watch are driven bythe stored electric power.

On the other hand, in regard to usual electronic wrist watches, JapaneseUtility Model Laid-Open Nos. 58-77493 and 3-30892 disclose a structurein which a circuit is contained in a band, and Japanese Utility ModelLaid-Open Nos. 59-137588 and 59-137589 disclose a structure in which apiezoelectric element, an electromagnet coil, a rectifying circuit and abattery are contained in a band.

The material and structure of a band containing a conductive member,which are used for conventional wrist watch-type electronic apparatus,the structure for mounting the band on the case of the wrist watch-typeelectronic apparatus, and the structure of the band mounting portion ofthe case of the wrist watch-type electronic apparatus have the followingproblems to be solved with respect to the properties of fitting on anarm, the suitability of the band, strength, durability, limits on designand so on.

First, the band material has the problem that although most conventionalbands are made of a non-metallic material from the viewpoint of the needto ensure insulating properties, the band design which is important forcreating demand can be selected from only a narrow range in view of thepresent situation where metallic bands are frequently used for wristwatches for reasons of use environment, durability and design. This isundesirable for merchandise variation.

Second, each of the above structures of the bands has the followingproblem:

1) The structure in which a metallic plate is attached to the widthwiseside of a leather or synthetic resin band has the problem that fitnessdeteriorates due to an increase in flexural rigidity.

2) Where a metallic plate is contained in a leather or synthetic resinbase, although the use of a thin metallic plate causes the same degreeof suitability as that of a band comprising only leather or syntheticresin, the metallic plate is cut or cracked by bending or twisting of aband or continuous use for a long period of time, thereby causing theproblem of durability.

3) The band structure in which elastic fibers comprising an elastomerresin are used has faults peculiar to such an expansion band. In otherwords, when it is desired to adjust the length and elasticity of theband in accordance with the thickness of an arm and liking, a pluralityof bands having different lengths and degrees of elasticity must bepreviously prepared. In addition, since the band must invariably beexpanded at the time of setting on an arm or separating therefrom, it isnecessary to increase the flexibility of the internal structurecontained in the band and to ensure durability to deformation.

4) Although a wire is provided zigzag in the expansion band in order toensure flexibility and durability to deformation, tensile stress more orless acts on the wire at the time of setting on an arm or removingtherefrom, while contraction and expansion properties cannot be suppliedto the wire itself. If large deformation is repeatedly produced bycontinuous use of the band, therefore, the zigzag form cannot bemaintained, and unevenness occurs in the zigzag form, thereby affectingthe fit. In addition, since the wire in the terminal fixing portion of afabric is fixed, if large stress is applied to the wrist watch-typeelectronic apparatus by dropping it onto a floor, the wire itself in theterminal fixing portion might be deformed.

In the structure in which a wire is woven in a zigzag manner into afabric, the displacement amount and displacement process of the fabric,which change in accordance with the tensile force acting at the time ofsetting or removing the band, are different from those of the wire. Whenthe band length at the time of no load is different from the length atthe time of setting (i.e. the band is stretched when set on an arm),distortion occurs in the band, and fit thus deteriorates. For the samereason, there is also the fault that the fabric in which the wire iswoven is cut in a portion near the wire.

Where a wire woven in a helical form is passed through a sleeve-likefabric, there is the problem that fit deteriorates due to an increase inflexural rigidity.

5) The structure disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Nos. 63-197103and 1-279603 in which a conductor is disposed zigzag in continuous linksof a metallic expansion band has not only the same problems as thosedescribed above with respect to the expansion band, but also the problemthat since the link mechanism of the metallic expansion band iscomplicated, and the wire must be contained zigzag in the linkmechanism, the assembly step is complicated, and the cost is thusincreased. Further, the metallic expansion band has a simple plane formand thus has no feeling of high grade, and it is difficult to attempt todiversify the design of the band.

Third, each of the above conventional band mounting structures of thebodies of the wrist watch type-electronic apparatus has the followingproblems:

1) Where a spring bar is used, since the band rotates around a springbar relative to the watch case, the required electrical connectionbetween the watch case and the band cannot achieve the predeterminedpurpose unless the watch case and the band always contact under apredetermined pressure. Since the band is rotatably mounted on the watchcase under a predetermined contact pressure, the rotation of the bandinevitably becomes awkward. In continuous use for a long period of time,since relative rotation between contact terminals under the contactpressure is repeated, the contact terminals are worn, and the contactpressure decreases with use. In addition, the need for relative rotationbetween the contact terminals makes it difficult to provide reliablewaterproofness.

2) Where the band is mounted by holding it between a case band and acase back, both of which form the watch case, the band must be mountedon the watch case at a predetermined angle with respect to an arm.However, a leather or synthetic resin band cannot sufficiently bend byits own weight because of the presence of a conductive member therein,and a snap closure must be operated while forcing the band to bend alongthe arm. Thus, the mounting work is difficult, and the watch may bedropped due to the difficulties in the work. In this case, there areproblems that the conductive member in the band is cut or cracked due totwisting, expansion and contraction which are produced by bending of theband mounting portion of the watch case. For example, when a siliconresin band is used, the band body itself might be cracked.

3) Where a band is screwed to the watch case, and where the watch caseand the band are integrated by holding the watch case from the upper andlower sides thereof, there are faults which are basically the same asthose described in paragraph 2 above.

Fourth, the structure of the band mounting portion of the wrist watchtype electronic apparatus has the following problems: Although the casesof conventional watches are made of a metal with high rigidity, thebands disclosed in most documents are made of non-metal materials havingstrength lower than that of the cases. When either the front or the rearof a non-metallic band is fixed to the watch case, the maximum bendingmoment acts on a portion near the band fixing portion due to bending ofthe band, and thus the band is easily broken at that position. Thiscauses the need for a "Roof-attached Horn style" structure as the bandmounting structure of the watch case in which the band is held between aroof portion and a case back. As a result, the very important planedesign of the watch case which visually appeals to consumers issignificantly limited, thereby resulting in the fault that the designcannot be varied.

An electronic wrist watch containing a battery has the followingproblems: Although the electronic wrist watch containing a generatingdevice preferably has a secondary battery having as large a capacity aspossible, the capacity is limited because the battery is contained inthe watch case. In addition, since only a specified secondary batterycan be used for satisfying performance, such as the allowable number ofrecharges and so on, the storage capacity is not sufficient. Forexample, an ordinary wrist watch can be driven for only a few days in astate where it is removed from an arm. A limiter circuit is containedfor preventing the secondary battery from being overcharged by theelectric power generated from the generating device so that excesselectric power is discarded. For example, during the period that aperson with the watch set on the arm normally uses the watch, about halfof the electric power generated from the generating device is discarded.

Although it is recognized that the wrist watch disclosed in each of theabove documents is advanced in that a space for containing a battery andso on is formed in the band apart from the watch case, no measure istaken for durability and against accidents such as cutting of a circuitor wiring in the band, the troubles in the generating portion caused bybending of the band, etc., which are actually caused in the bandcontaining a battery.

The present invention has been achieved in consideration of the aboveproblems, and an object of the present invention is to solve theproblems of the band itself or the mounting structure in a wrist watchtype-electronic apparatus having a band containing conductive memberstherein, and to realize an internal structure of a band which has highdurability and which reduces breaking of wire and trouble.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an electronic apparatus with a case and afitting band containing conductive members therein, wherein the fittingband comprises an end piece engaging the case and a base connected tothe end piece so that it can rotate in the direction of bending of thefitting band at the time of fastening, and the conductive members arecontained so as to be held by the end piece with a predeterminedstrength and to be movable relative to the base for at least apredetermined amount.

The end piece is preferably fixed to the case. Hollow members arepreferably provided between the end piece and the base so as to besubstantially parallel to the rotation axis thereof, the conductivemembers being respectively passed through the hollow members. In thiscase, each of the hollow members preferably comprises a cylindricalconnecting shaft provided between the end piece and the base.

The base comprises a plurality of piece members which are connected inthe direction of expansion of the fitting band so that they can rotatein the direction of bending at the time of fastening of the band, andthe hollow members are preferably provided at least between the piecemembers in which the conductive members are respectively disposed, so asto be substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the piece members,the conductive members being respectively passed through the hollowmembers.

The case contains a generating device, a secondary battery foraccumulating the electric power generated from the generating device,and an electronic device driven by output of the secondary battery, and,in some cases, an auxiliary secondary battery is provided in the fittingband so as to store excess electric power of the electric powergenerated by the generating device, which cannot be stored in thesecondary battery.

It is preferred to provide a selection means for selectively supplyingelectric power to the auxiliary secondary battery or taking out electricpower therefrom. In this case, a selective switching circuit ispreferably provided with control means for adjusting the charging rateof the secondary battery or intermitting the connection of the auxiliarysecondary battery so as to prevent overcharging of the secondary batteryon the basis of the charging state of the secondary battery, or controlmeans for cutting off the connection of the auxiliary secondary batterywhen detecting an abnormality of the auxiliary secondary battery. Theselection switching circuit is also preferably provided with currentlimiting means for limiting charging current supplied to the auxiliarysecondary battery.

In some cases, each of the conductive members may be passed through aninsertion hole provided in the case or the fitting band, or through aninsulating surrounding member comprising an insulator and completelysurrounding the conductive member.

The insulating surrounding member is preferably secured to the case witha gap between the conductive member and the insulating surroundingmember, and provided with flexibility which permits deformation of theinsulating surrounding member with rotation of the fitting band. It isalso preferred to form a projecting seal portion integrally with each ofthe insulating surrounding members in order to secure sealing betweenthe conductive member and the insertion hole, and to provide aconductive member's coating portion integrally with the insulatingsurrounding member, which is extended along the conductive member.

In some cases, the fitting band comprises a housing unit for containinginsertion holes for respectively passing the conductive memberstherethrough and an electronic function member conductively connectedthrough the insertion holes, and a mounting member having through holescorresponding to the insertion holes, and a sealing member for sealingthe insertion holes through which the conductive members arerespectively passed, the sealing member being held under pressure innarrow portions between the mounting member and the housing unit to holdthe conductive members passed through the insertion holes and thethrough holes.

The fitting band may, in some cases, comprise a plurality of piecemembers each of which has openings for passing the conductive membersand which are rotatably connected to each other in the direction ofextension thereof, and a rotation limiting structure is provided on thepiece members so as to limit the angle of rotation with respect toadjacent piece members.

Each of the piece members includes an inner piece member for passing theconductive members therethrough, and an outer sheath member forcontaining the inner piece member so that the inner piece member canrotate for an angle of rotation within a predetermined range. In thiscase, an opening is preferably provided in each of the outer sheathmembers so that the inner piece member can partly be exposed andconnected to an adjacent outer sheath member. In some cases, the innerpiece member comprises at least a pair of plate members whichrespectively form the front and rear of the fitting band, and the innerpiece member comprises only one plate member which has the opening andis formed by folding into a substantially U-shape at the opening.

Further, a connecting member for rotatably connecting a pair of adjacentpiece members may sometimes be provided. In this case, the connectingmember is preferably connected by a bridge-like portion which isextended in the widthwise direction on the front side of the fittingband. The connecting member is preferably integrally provided withengaging arms, each of which is a bent projection with engaging endswhich engage each of the piece members along the rotational axisthereof.

In each of the above means, each of the conductive members is preferablybent in a direction crossing the direction of extension thereof so as tobe able to expand and contract in the direction of extension, and aninsulating coating is preferably formed around each of the conductivemembers without interfering with expansion and contraction.

Since the base is rotatably connected to the end piece, the base rotatesby its own weight when being set on an arm, and the fitting propertiesare improved. In addition, since the conductive members are held by theend piece, and rotatably disposed with respect to the base, even if thefitting band is deformed, the stress applied to the connection portionbetween the case and the conductive members can be decreased, and thestress and deformation applied to the internal conductive members canalso be decreased, thereby improving electrical durability, reliabilityand safety.

Since the end piece is fixed to the case, the conductive members are notsubjected to deformation and load in the connection portion between thecase and the fitting band, and durability of the conductive members canthus be ensured. Further, the design of the mounting portion of the casecan freely be determined using not only the "Roof-attached Horn style"structure but also as a "Tow Horn style" structure or a structure"without a horn", thereby decreasing the limitations on design.

Since the hollow members are arranged along the rotation axis, even ifthe base is rotated, the deformation of the conductive members passedtherethrough can be suppressed, and the positions of the conductivemembers in the direction of extension of the fitting band can bemaintained. Thus, a local load or a large deformation is not applied tothe conductive members, and durability, reliability and safety can beincreased.

Since each of the hollow members comprises a cylindrical connectingshaft so as to have the function to position and support the conductivemembers and the rotatable connection function, the connecting structureis simplified, the number of parts is decreased, and the assemblybecomes easy.

The portions between the respective piece members which form the basehave the same functions and effects as those described above.

Since an auxiliary secondary battery is provided in the band, thestorage capacity can be increased without limiting the housing capacity,and excess electric power which cannot be stored in the secondarybattery in the watch case can be stored in the auxiliary secondarybattery. Thus, the operation time with no generation of power can beincreased, and the opportunity of discarding electric power in order toprevent overcharging is significantly decreased, as compared withconventional structures.

The connection of the auxiliary secondary battery is intermitted by theselective switching circuit so that the synthetic capacity of thesecondary battery and auxiliary secondary battery can be adjusted by anoperating member such as an operating button or the like or the control,if required, and accidents such as cutting of wire, short-circuit and soon on the side of the auxiliary secondary battery can be coped with.

A current limiter can prevent a voltage drop on the side of the watchcase during charging of the auxiliary secondary battery.

The insulating surrounding members can reliably achieve insulatingproperties in the portions where the conductive members are respectivelypassed, and prevent poor insulation caused by adhesion of sweat orwater.

Since the insulating surrounding members are fixed to the case with agap between the conductive member and insulating surrounding member andare provided with flexibility, even if the insulating surroundingmembers are deformed due to rotation of the fitting band, only a littlestress is applied to the conductive members, and it is thus possible toprevent occurrence of poor insulation and disconnection of theconductive members.

Since a projecting seal portion is integrally provided so that theinsulating surrounding members ensure insulating properties andwaterproofness in the portions where the conductive members arerespectively passed, it is possible to prevent poor insulation ordeterioration in durability caused by corrosion with a liquid, and tofacilitate assembly work in the portions where the conductive membersare respectively passed.

A member's coating portion is integrally provided on each of theinsulating surrounding members so as to also function as an insulatingcoating for each of the conductive members in the direction of extensionthereof.

Since the ends of the conductive members can be securely connected to anelectronic function member in the fitting band without providingenlarged-diameter portions at the ends, such as the insulatingsurrounding members, sealing portions or terminals, the conductivemembers can be passed through after the fitting band is produced,thereby facilitating the assembly work.

Since a plurality of piece members which form the fitting band areconnected to each other with a rotation angle within a limited range, itis possible to prevent application of a large local deformation to theconductive members passed through the fitting band, and to attempt toprevent a disconnection accident and improve durability. Specificstructures of such a fitting band include are described herein. In thesestructures, the fitting band is assembled so as to be rotatable at leastwithin a predetermined range without limiting the movement of theconductive members passed therethrough. The design of the inner piecemembers can easily be changed. An attempt can be made to decreaseproduction cost without increasing the number of parts. Since theconnecting portions between the respective piece members can be coveredby the bridge-like portions, the gaps between the respective piecemembers can freely be changed while preventing exposure of theconductive members. Since the engaging arms are integrally provided onthe connecting member, there is no need to prepare another engagingmember for connection, which thereby decreases the number of parts.

Since the conductive members are formed so as to be capable of expansionand contraction in the direction of extension thereof, and theinsulating coating is provided without interfering with expansion andcontraction, it is possible to prevent damage such as cracking andcutting of the conductive members, which are caused by deformation ofthe fitting band, and improve durability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a structure of a band in accordancewith Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded plan view illustrating the internal structure ofthe band in the same embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the internalstructure of the band in the same embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a structure formounting the band on a case in the same embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an exploded plan view illustrating the internal structure of aband in accordance with Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the internalstructure of the band in the same embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a structure formounting the band on a case in the same embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a structure of a band in accordancewith Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded plan view illustrating the internal structure ofthe band in the same embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the internalstructure of the band in the same embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a exploded plan view illustrating the internal structure of aband in accordance with Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the internalstructure of the band in the same embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the whole structure ofEmbodiment 5 of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating the circuit configuration of anexample of an electric power supply system in the same embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating the circuit configuration ofanother example of an electric power supply system in the sameembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view illustrating the circuit configuration of afurther example of an electric power supply system in the sameembodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the whole construction of amodified embodiment of Embodiment 5 of the same embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a view illustrating the whole construction of an example ofthe band structure in the same embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating details in the same band;

FIG. 20 is a view illustrating the whole construction of another exampleof the band structure in the same embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a view illustrating details of the same band;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view illustrating an example of the connectionportion between the watch case and the band in the same embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a view illustrating the internal structure of a generatingdevice applied to the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating the shape of an insulatingsurrounding member in accordance with Embodiment 6 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a conductiveconnection structure between the case and an end piece in the sameembodiment;

FIG. 26 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a conductiveconnection structure between the case and an end piece in accordancewith Embodiment 7 of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a modifiedembodiment of Embodiment 7;

FIG. 28 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a mold structurefor producing a conductive wire with an insulating coating in Embodiment7;

FIG. 29 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a conductiveconnection structure between the case and an end piece in accordancewith Embodiment 8 of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating a connection structurebetween the conductive wires and a housing member in Embodiment 8;

FIG. 31 is a sectional view illustrating the connection structurebetween the conductive wires and the housing member in Embodiment 8;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating examples of the constructionsof inner piece members in accordance with Embodiment 9 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view illustrating of the bandstructure of Embodiment 9;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the assembly of Embodiment 9;

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a different exampleof the band structure of Embodiment 9;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of the sameband;

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view illustrating another differentexample of the band structure of Embodiment 9;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of the sameband;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a piecemember comprising a single member, not comprising an internal piecemember and an external sheath member;

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the band structurein accordance with Embodiment 10 of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of Embodiment10;

FIG. 42 is a sectional view illustrating the internal structure of aband of Embodiment 10;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view illustrating a piece member which is thesame as that of Embodiment 10 except an irregular portion is formed;

FIG. 44 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of aband in accordance with Embodiment 11 of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a sectional view illustrating the structure of a band ofEmbodiment 11;

FIG. 46 is a schematic perspective view of Embodiment 11;

FIG. 47 is an exploded plan view illustrating the structure of a band inaccordance with Embodiment 12 of the present invention; and

FIG. 48 is an enlarged view illustrating the structure of a conductivemember of Embodiment 12.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Electronic apparatus having a fitting band in accordance withembodiments of the present invention are described below with referenceto the attached drawings.

[Embodiment 1]

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an electronic apparatus in accordance withEmbodiment 1 of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a band11 comprises a metallic end piece 21, a plurality of piece members 31which are connected to each other to form a base, and a sensor box 40attached to the side of the band opposite the end piece 21. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the band 11 contains a pair of conductive wires30 as conductive members which are lead wires each of which is coatedwith an insulator such as a synthetic resin. The end of each of theconductive wires 30 has a ring groove which is formed bycircumferentially melting the insulating coating, for example, by usinga heated trowel, the tip of each of the wires without the insulatingcoating being fixed by solder.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the end piece 21 comprises end piece plates21a and 21b, and each of the piece members 31 comprises piece plates 31aand 31b. End piece plate 21a is formed with threaded holes 91 formounting a case, and threaded holes 92 for fixing the end piece plates,as illustrated in FIG. 2. End piece plate 21b is formed with throughholes corresponding to the threaded holes 91, and through holes withcounterbores (not shown) at positions corresponding to the threadedholes 92. Each of the end piece plates 21a and 21b is provided withrecessed portions 21c for containing the conductive wires 30 and pipes50 which will be described below. Each of the piece plates 31a has threethreaded holes 93, and through holes (not shown) formed at positionscorresponding to the threaded holes 93 of each of the piece plates 31b.Each of the piece plates 31a and 31b also has recessed portions 31c and31d for containing the conductive wires 30 and the pipes 50.

The metallic pipes 50 are contained between the end piece 21 and thepiece member 31 and between the respective adjacent piece members 31 soas to be oriented in the direction crossing at right angles thedirection of extension of the band 11, the conductive wires 30 beingpassed through the pipes 50. Each of the conductive wires 30 is extendedwhile snaking and passing through the pipes 50 in the band, andconductively connected to a sensor contained in the sensor box 40. Thepipes 50 are rotatably held between the end piece 21 and the piecemembers 31 so as to rotatably connect the end piece and the piece member31 and to connect the respective adjacent piece members 31.

The band 11 is assembled as described below. After the end piece plate21a, a required number of piece plates 31a and the sensor box 40 arearranged in a plane, the terminal portions of the conductive wires 30are passed through a required number of pipes 50 and are respectivelyset in the recessed portions 21c of the end piece plate 21a. The pipes50 through which the conductive wires 30 are respectively passed arearranged in the connection portion between the end piece plate 21a andthe piece plate 31a, and the end piece plates 21a and 21b are screwedtogether. The conductive wires 30 are then set in the recessed portions31c of each of the piece plates 31a, the pipes 50 through which theconductive wires are respectively passed are arranged in the connectionportion between the adjacent piece plates 31a, and the piece plates 31aand 31b are then screwed together. The other piece plates aresuccessively screwed together in the same way as that described above.Finally, packings (not shown) are set to the other ends of theconductive wires 30, which have the same shape as that of the ends 30a,and the conductive wires 30 are forced into the conducting holes formedin the sensor box 40 together with the packings.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the wrist watch case comprises a case band 60and a case back 70, the case band 60 having conducting holes formed in aside thereof so as to contain the ends 30a of the conductive wires 30.The lower side of the case band 60 is provided with a groove forcontaining a packing 84 therein and threaded holes (not shown) formounting the case back 70. The case back 70 has through holes (notshown) for screwing the case back 70 to the case band 60, and throughholes (not shown) for mounting the end piece 21. The case back 70 isformed at the bottom of the case band 60 so as to partly project fromthe case band 60 in the directions of 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock of thewatch.

The band is mounted on the wrist watch case by forcing the ends 30a ofthe conductive wires 30, which project from the end piece 21, into theconducting holes of the case band 60 together with the packings 81 andthen fixing the end piece 21 and the case back 70 together by screws 80.The conductive wires 30 passed through the end piece 21 are preferablypressed by the recessed portions 21c for containing the wires 30 orbonded to the insides of the recessed portions 21c so as to be held inthe direction of extension thereof. Since the conductive wires 30 areheld in the end piece 21, the ends 30a of the conductive wires 30introduced into the case band 60 are fixed to the case band 60 even ifthe band is deformed, thereby ensuring durability of the connectionportion of the conductive wires 30.

Since the band 11 is mounted on each of the sides of 12 o'clock and 6o'clock of the wrist watch case, one of the bands is the above band 11containing the conductive members, and the other band can be formed asan ordinary band and can be provided with a band length adjustingmechanism, for example, using a hair pin or the like. When the length ofthe band 11 containing the conductive member is adjusted, a known freeadjustment-type mechanism generally used for wrist watch bands may beused.

[Embodiment 2]

FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrate Embodiment 2 of the present invention. An endpiece 22 comprises end piece plates 22a and 22b, the end piece plate 22ahaving threaded holes 94 corresponding to the through holes (not shown)formed in the end piece plate 22b. The end piece plate 22a also has thesame recessed portions 22c as those of Embodiment 1, which are formed inthe direction of extension of the conductive wires 30 so as to containthe wires 30, and a groove 22d formed at right angles to the recessedportions 22c. Further, piece plates 32a and 32b have a recessed portion32c so as to contain the conductive wires 30. As illustrated in FIG. 6,the end piece plate 22b has a groove 22e formed for containing a springbar 42. The groove 22e is formed for containing the spring bar 42, andthe groove 22d is formed for containing the curved portions of theconductive wires 30, which are formed by overpassing the spring bar.

The end piece 22 is connected to a piece member 32 comprising pieceplates 32a and 32b, as described above. The piece plate 32a has the samestructure as that of the piece plate 31a of Embodiment 1 in whichthreaded holes 95 corresponding to through holes (not shown) formed inthe piece plate 32b, which is the same as the piece plate 31b, areformed.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the wrist watch case comprises a case band 61and a case back 71, conducting holes for introducing the conductivewires 30 being formed in a side of the case band 61, and the lowersurface of the case band 61 has a groove formed for containing awaterproof packing 84. The case band 61 has joggle grooves (not shown)formed on the inner side of the case band 61 so as to engage the joggles(not shown) formed on the case back 71, the joggles being fitted in thejoggle grooves.

The band is mounted on the wrist watch case by the method describedbelow. The end piece 22 of the band is assembled by the same method asthat in Embodiment 1 except that the spring bar 42 contained in thegroove 22e of the end piece plate 22b is held in a "horn" 61a (notshown) of the case band 61 by pushing the ends of the spring bar 42, andis moved along the direction of projection of the "horn" 61a. Packings82 are then set at the ends 30a of the conductive wires 30 which projectfrom the end surface of the end piece 22. The ends 30a to which thepackings 82 are set are forced into the conducting holes of the caseband 61, and the ends of the spring bar 42 are then engaged in the "hornholes" of the "horn" 61a.

It is desirable from the viewpoint of ensuring waterproofness that theend piece 22 has dimensions which can prevent as much as possiblelooseness between the side of the case band 61 and the spring bar 42,and that the rotation of the end piece 22 caused by rotation of the bandis restricted as much as possible by bringing the upper portion of theend piece plate 22a and the lower portion of the end piece plate 22b inthe direction of thickness of the band into contact with the side of thecase band 61.

[Embodiment 3]

FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate Embodiment 3 of the present invention.Embodiment 3 relates to a band 13 made of a material such as naturalleather, artificial leather or a synthetic resin. The band 13 has ametallic or non-metallic end piece 23, comprising end piece plates 23aand 23b, and a base 33 made of a material such as natural leather,artificial leather or a synthetic resin, and comprising a surface member33a and a rear member 33b, and a buckle 43.

In each of the end piece plates 23a and 23b are formed recessed portions23c for containing the conductive wires 30 and pipes 51. The end pieceplate 23a is provided with threaded holes 96 for mounting on a wristwatch case and threaded holes 97 for fixing the end piece platestogether, and the end piece plate 23b is provided with through holescorresponding to the threaded holes 96 and through holes withcounterbores (not shown) corresponding to the threaded holes 97.

Each of the surface member 33a and the rear member 33b, which form thebase 33, is made of a resin, e.g., urethane rubber, and recessedportions 33c for containing the conductive wires 30 and the pipes 51 anda recessed portion for containing a sensor unit (not shown) are formedin molding the base 33. The base 33 is assembled by setting the pipes 51through which the conductive wires are passed, the conductive wires 30and the sensor (not shown) in molded portions of the rear member 33b,and then bonding the surface member 33a to the rear member 33b. Thepipes 51 and the conductive wires 30, which project from the base 33,are then arranged in the end piece plate 23a, and the end piece plates23a and 23b are screwed together. The buckle 43 is attached at the timeof bonding the surface member 33a to the rear member 33b.

The pipes 51 are respectively extended to portions near the widthwiseends of the base 33 so as to sufficiently resist the loads applied tothe band, such as twisting moment, tensile force and so on. The pipes 51have notches 51a which are formed on the side opposite to the end pieceso as to bend the conductive wires 30 at the notches 51a and dispose thewires 30 in the base 33. This can increase the strength of theconnection between the end piece 23 and the base 33 and maintain theshape of the connecting portion of the base 33. The end piece 23 may bemade of either a metallic or non-metallic material. The recessedportions 23c and the recessed portions 22c of Embodiment 2 have the samesize as that of the recessed portions 21c of Embodiment 1. The length ofthe band is adjusted by selecting a hole formed in another base whichengages the buckle 43, as in normal cases.

[Embodiment 4]

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate Embodiment 4 of the present invention.Although Embodiment 4 is provided with the same base 33 as that ofEmbodiment 3, Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 3 in a structure inwhich spring bar 42 is passed through an end piece 24. The end piece 24comprises end piece plates 24a and 24b, and the end piece plate 24a hasthreaded fixing holes 98 which correspond to the through holes (notshown) formed in the end piece plate 24b. The end piece plate 24a isalso provided with recessed portions 24c for the conductive wires 30,and a groove 24d for containing the curved portions of the conductivewires 30, and the end piece plate 24b is provided with a groove 24e forcontaining the spring bar 42. The structures of other recessed portionsfor containing the conductive wires, the method of assembling the bandand the method of mounting the band on the case are the same as inEmbodiments 1 or 3.

Although each of the above embodiments relates to the band structure andband mounting structure of, as an example, an electronic wrist watchhaving a band containing a sensor for measuring blood pressure, pulse orbodily temperature, the present invention is not limited to suchsensors. The present invention can be applied to any apparatus having aband containing a conductive member, such as a band where conductivewires are disposed in the band for containing a communication antenna orsecondary battery, which will be described below, in the band.

[Embodiment 5]

Description will now be made of an embodiment in which a secondarybattery is contained in a band of a wrist watch in accordance with eachof the above embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 13, this embodimentrelates to an electronic wrist watch roughly comprising a watch case 1containing a watch driving device, a generating device and a secondarybattery, and a band 2 comprising leather, a resin or a plurality ofmetallic piece members which are connected to each other. In thisembodiment, secondary batteries 101 and 102 are contained in the band 2near the watch case, and connected to the watch case by conductive wires103. Although various batteries can be used as the secondary batteries101 and 102, electric double layer capacitors are preferred from theviewpoint of the allowable number of times of charging and discharging,and polyacene lithium capacitors are preferred from the viewpoints ofvoltage recovery properties and energy density. A single secondarybattery may be provided, or any desired number of batteries may beprovided according to demand.

FIG. 14 illustrates the circuit of an electric power supply system ofthis embodiment. In a generating device G, a rotor is rotated by thetorque of an oscillating weight to generate electromotive force in anelectromagnetic coil to obtain output current, as described below. Alimiter circuit L and a reverse-current preventing diode D1 areconnected in parallel to the generating device G. The limiter circuit Lis a circuit for preventing overcharging of the secondary batteries. Arectifying diode D2 performs half-wave rectification of the AC currentgenerated in the electromagnetic coil and prevents reverse current.

A large-capacity capacitor SC, which is connected in parallel to thegenerating device G and the limiter circuit L, is a secondary batterycontained in the watch case so as to store the electric power generatedby the generating device G. A control driving circuit P comprises anintegrated circuit for driving a driving motor (or a display) R for thewatch and for controlling the limiter circuit L, and a booster circuit Band a selective switching circuit SW, both of which will be describedbelow. Reference character CB denotes a backup capacitor for the controldriving circuit P.

An internal band portion T is a portion contained in the band 2 shown inFIG. 13 and comprising internal band capacitors C1 and C2 serving asauxiliary secondary batteries and connected in parallel to thelarge-capacity capacitor SC contained in the watch case.

The booster circuit B is a circuit for boosting the electric powergenerated by the generating circuit G and stored in each of thesecondary batteries to the working voltage of the control drivingcircuit P. Since the output voltage of the capacitors from each of thesecondary batteries significantly changes with the charging amount, thevoltage on the side of the control driving circuit P and the backupcapacitor CB is increased by, for example, 2 or 3 times, in accordancewith the output voltage of the capacitor in order to constantly maintainthe operation of the control driving circuit P. Typical examples of theconfiguration of the circuit are disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open PatentNos. 60-203887 and 61-124887.

This embodiment is practical in that the storage capacity can beincreased by a simple circuit configuration, and can be applied to theconfiguration of an internal circuit of an ordinary watch case withoutany change. However, since the time required for charging to apredetermined output voltage is increased, a circuit configuration forensuring a driving voltage by the booster circuit B is indispensable.

FIG. 15 illustrates a configuration in which the internal band portion Tcan be connected and disconnected by the selective switching circuit SW.The selective switching circuit SW selectively changes the connectionstate between the circuit part of the watch case and the internal bandportion T based on a command from the control driving circuit P. Asimple opening/closing switch which operates by a control signal fromthe control driving circuit P, or a circuit which opens and closes onthe basis of the voltage or current it detects, may be used as theselective switching circuit. Although the selective switching circuit SWis generally provided in the IC of the watch case, it can compriseanother IC so as to be provided in the band.

In this embodiment, when the large capacity capacitor SC is charged, thecontrol driving circuit P outputs a closing signal to the selectiveswitching circuit SW in order to prevent overcharging to connect theinternal band portion T to the case circuit. Thus, the syntheticcapacity is increased by connection of the internal band capacitors C1and C2, thereby preventing overcharging and further charging thecapacitor. When the output voltage of the secondary batteries isdecreased to a level lower than the allowable lowest voltage of thewatch, an opening signal is transmitted to the selective switchingcircuit SW so that the band internal capacitors C1 and C2 aredisconnected. In the selective switching circuit SW, the chargingcurrent is detected, and particularly, the charging current at the startof charging is limited to a predetermined value or less to prevent avoltage drop on the case side and to prevent consumption of electricpower by opening the circuit, for example, when an accident such as ashort-circuit of the internal band capacitors or internal band wiringoccurs. When an accident such as a disconnection or short-circuit occursin the internal band portion T, an alarm can be given by a display or bya sound generator provided on the side of the watch case.

Even if all secondary batteries are charged, when a danger ofovercharging occurs, the limiter circuit L is operated, as in aconventional watch. However, since the limit on at least the containmentvolume is significantly reduced by providing the secondary batteries inthe band, the opportunity of occurrence of such a danger issignificantly decreased.

In this way, when the amount of electricity stored is small, theauxiliary secondary batteries are disconnected by the selectiveswitching circuit for intermittent connection between the internal bandportion T and the circuit portion of the case, so that the voltage canbe maintained by decreasing the capacity of the secondary batteries.When the amount of the electricity stored is large, the capacity of thesecondary batteries is increased by connecting the auxiliary secondarybatteries in the band so that the generated electric power can bestored, not discarded. It is also possible to prevent a voltage drop onthe case side by disconnecting the selective switching circuit duringcharging, and to automatically avoid cessation of the functioning of thewatch case by disconnecting the selective switching circuit when anaccident such as a short-circuit occurs in the band.

The characteristics of this embodiment apply to the modified embodimentshown in FIG. 16. The modified embodiment is different from the aboveembodiment only in the point that selective switching circuits S1 and S2are connected in series to the corresponding internal band capacitors C1and C2, respectively, of the band internal T. Each of the selectiveswitching circuits S1 an S2 has the same function as that of theselective switching circuit SW, and is generally provided in the IC ofthe watch case. Each of the selective switching circuits S1 and S2 may,of course, be contained as another IC in the band. The modifiedembodiment improves controllability, particularly when many auxiliarysecondary batteries are disposed in the band, or when each of theauxiliary secondary batteries has a large capacity. For example, theembodiment is effective in that the voltage on the case side can bemaintained by adjusting the capacity of each of the auxiliary secondarybatteries, and that only the auxiliary secondary battery which producesan accident of the plurality of auxiliary secondary batteries can bedisconnected.

FIG. 17 illustrates another modified embodiment in which a generatingdevice 111 similar to the generating device G shown in FIGS. 14 and 15is contained together with a secondary battery 104 in the same band 2 asthat of the electronic wrist watch shown in FIG. 13. The generatingdevice 111 and the secondary battery 104 are connected to each other byconductive wires 112, and the secondary battery 104 and the watch caseare connected to each other by conductive wires 105. As illustrated inFIG. 23, the generating device 111 comprises an oscillating weight 142having an eccentric weight distribution, a rotor 145 connected to anoscillating weight 142 through speed-up gear trains 143 and 144 andmagnetized in the rotational direction, a U-shaped plate stator 146containing the rotor 145 in the through hole thereof, coil core 147respectively screwed to both ends of the stator 146, and anelectromagnetic coil 148 wound around the coil core 147. The secondarybattery 104 and the generating device 111 are contained in a spaceprovided in the band. When the band itself is made of a conductor, eachof the secondary battery 104 and the generating device 111 is containedin an insulating case and disposed in the band.

FIGS. 18 to 22 illustrate the structure of a band suitable for a casewhere the secondary battery of the above embodiments is contained in theband. The band 15 shown in FIG. 18 roughly comprises an end piece 25which is connected to the watch case and preferably made of a metallicmaterial, and a base 35 which is rotatably connected to the end piece25, forming a principal portion of the band, and preferably made ofleather or synthetic resin. The end piece 25 comprises end piece plates25a and 25b (not shown), and the base 35 comprises a surface member 35aand a rear member 35b (not shown).

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the end piece plate 25a has threaded holes123a and 123d for fixing to the case, and threaded holes 123b, 123c and123e for fixing to the end piece plate 25b. The end piece plate 25a alsohas recessed portions 123f for containing the conductive wires 30 andpipes 52. The end piece plate 25b has through holes (not shown) andcounterbores (for preventing the top of a fastening bolt from projectingfrom the bottom of the end piece plate 25b, not shown) at positionscorresponding to the threaded holes 123b, 123c and 123e of the end pieceplate 25a. The end piece plate 25b also has recessed portions formed onthe upper side thereof, which are the same as the recessed portions 123fof the end piece plate 25a.

Each of the conductive wires 30 comprises a lead wire coated with aninsulating resin, and has a ring groove formed in the periphery of theinsulating coating at the end 30a connected to the watch case in orderto engage a packing in the connection portion, the insulating coating atthe tip thereof being removed. The connecting pipes 52 are rotatablyfitted in the recessed portions of the end piece 25, and fixed andbonded between the front member 35a and the rear member 35b of the base35, the conductive wires 30 being respectively passed through the pipes52. The pipes are extended to the side edges of the base 35 in order toconnect and reliably support the connection portion of the base 35.However, a notch portion 52a is formed on the side of each pipe 52opposite to the end of the piece 25, so that the conductive wires 30 areintroduced into the base 35 from the notched portions 52a. In the base35, the conductive wires 30 and the secondary battery 101 are held andbonded. A selective switching circuit or opening/closing switch may becontained in a secondary battery 101, or an exclusive selectiveswitching circuit may be contained independently in the base. Thesecircuits may, of course, be contained in the watch case.

The connecting pipes 52 rotatably connect the end piece 25 and the base35, and fix the conductive wires 30 in the end piece 25 in the directionof extension thereof so as to prevent application of loads to the ends30a connected to the watch case. The notches 52a permit the conductivewires 30 to slightly move in the direction of extension thereof withinthe base 35.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment in which a band 16 has a basecomprising a plurality of metallic piece members 36 connected to eachother. Since an end piece 26 is the same as the end piece 25,description of the end piece 26 is omitted. Each of the piece members 36comprises piece plates 36a and 36b (not shown). The piece plate 36a hasthreaded holes 134a, 134b and 134c for fixing to the piece plate 36b, asshown in FIG. 21. Recessed portions 134d for containing the conductivewires 30 and pipes 53, and a recessed portion 134e for containing thesecondary battery 101 are also formed on each of the piece plates 36a.Similarly, these recessed portions are formed on each of the pieceplates 36b. Each of the piece plates 36b has through holes (not shown),and counterbores (not shown) for preventing the top of a fastening boltfrom projecting from the bottom of the rear member 36b at positionscorresponding to the threaded holes 134a, 134b and 134c of each of thepiece plates 36a. The cylindrical pipes 53 rotatably engage the recessedportions of the end piece and the piece member to rotatably connectboth. The secondary battery 101 is contained in an insulating case or iscontained in the recessed portion 134e into which an insulating sheet isapplied.

FIG. 22 illustrates a connection portion between an end piece 27 whichforms a band and a case band 62 of the watch case. This applies to theembodiments shown in FIGS. 18 to 21. The band comprises the end piece 27and a plurality of piece members 37 connected to each other. Since theband is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 19, descriptionthereof is omitted. A side of the case band 62 is provided withconducting holes for introducing the ends 30a of the conductive wiresinto the connection portion between the end piece 27 and the case band62. The wires 30 are inserted into the conducting holes, and the endsthereof are connected to connecting terminals in the watch case andfixed in the state where each of the packings 83 engages a ring groove.A case back 72 of the watch case has a supporting portion 72a sidewardlyextended so that the end piece 27 is disposed on the supporting portion72a and screwed thereto. The structure for mounting the end piece is notlimited to the above fixed structure; the end piece may be indirectlyconnected through a spring bar.

In this way, the base is rotatably connected to the end piece which isconnected to the watch case, and the pipes through which the conductivewires are passed are arranged in parallel to the rotation axis, therebypreventing application of loads to connection points thereof on the caseside and to connection points of the conductive wires on the side of thesecondary battery without interfering with the fitting properties of theband. In addition, since the pipes are used as connecting shafts, thenumber of parts is decreased, and assembly becomes easy.

Although, in the above embodiments, the present invention is applied toan electronic wrist watch, the present invention can be applied to anyelectronic apparatus having a fixing band for fitting to an arm oranother part of the human body and having the function as an electronicsphygmomanometer, a communication device or an electronic pocketnotebook. Further, a solar cell and other known generating mechanismsmay, of course, be used as the generating device.

Description will now be made of the detailed constructions of electronicwrist watches in accordance with different embodiments which are mainlyproduced in consideration of a waterproofing structure and thedurability of a band. First, a plurality of embodiments relating to thecoating structure and connection structure of a conductive member aresuccessively described below. The whole construction of an electronicapparatus in accordance with each of the embodiments is substantiallycommon to the above embodiments.

[Embodiment 6]

FIGS. 24 and 25 are drawings illustrating Embodiment 6. The insulatingsurrounding member 150 shown in FIG. 24 is made of an insulatinghigh-molecular material having elasticity, such as IIR (butyl rubber) orNBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber). The insulating surrounding member150 is formed like a hollow shape having a through hole portion 150a. Asshown in FIG. 25, the insulating surrounding member 150 is used in astate where it covers the periphery of a conductive terminal member 155.In this embodiment, the conductive terminal member 155 is preferablycontained in a mold for forming the insulating surrounding member 150 byinsert molding.

The insulating surrounding member 150 may be formed so that a singleconductor is passed therethrough, as shown in the drawing, or so that aplurality of conductors are covered. In this case, it is preferable formaintaining insulating properties between respective conductors that aplurality of conductors are buried in an insulating resin which iscontained in the insulating surrounding member 150.

FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment in which the insulating surroundingmember 150 and the conductive terminal member 155 are used forconnecting a case band 63 of a wrist watch and an end piece 28. The caseband 63 of the wrist watch is fixed to a case back 73 by screws 85, andthe end piece 28 is fixed to the case back 73 by screws 86a and 86b. Thefacing sides of the case band 63 and end piece 28 which are adjacent toeach other have respectively conducting holes formed at oppositepositions so that the conductive terminal member 155 provided with theinsulating surrounding member 150 is forced into each of the conductingholes. The insulating surrounding member 150 is provided with projectingseal portions 151 and 152 which are formed in a ring, as shown in FIG.24. The projecting seal portions are respectively forced into theconducting holes of the case band 63 and the end piece 28 to create aseal between the insulating surrounding member 150 and both conductingholes.

The insulating surrounding member 150 functions as a waterproof packingand an insulating member between conductive members and between theconductive members and the watch case or the band. Since the positionbetween the insulating coating and the packing is previously defined,assembly is easy, and production cost can thus be decreased. Since sweator water does not adhere directly to the conductive terminal member 155,corrosion resistance need not taken into consideration, and the materialfor the conductive terminal member 155 can be selected on the basis ofelectrical characteristics alone. In addition, since there is no need toprovide another sealing member over the insulating coating, the diameterof the terminal portion can be decreased, and therefore an attempt canbe made to thin the case band 63.

When a battery is contained in the end piece 28, the conductive terminalmembers 155 are connected directly to the electrode or a connectivefitting. When the conductive wires 30, the same as those used in each ofthe above embodiments, are disposed in the band, the conductive terminalmember 155 may be connected to each of the conductive wires 30 by solderor the like in the end piece 28, or each of the conductive wires 30 maybe passed through the insulating surrounding member 150 in place of theconductive terminal member 155.

Although the end piece 28 is fixed to the case band 63 through the caseback 73, as shown in FIG. 25, the end piece 28 may be connectedrotatably with respect to the case band 63 by using a spring bar, forexample. In this case, the insulating surrounding member 150 must bemade of a material with sufficient elasticity or flexibility so that itcan follow the rotational displacement of the end piece 28. A bentportion comprising a hinge structure, for example, is preferablyprovided on the conductive terminal members and the conductive wires soas to follow the rotation of the end piece, and a slide structure isprovided for absorbing a displacement in the direction of extension ofthe conductive member caused by the rotation of the end piece.

[Embodiment 7]

FIG. 26 illustrates a structure in accordance with Embodiment 7 of thepresent invention. A case band 64 of a wrist watch and an end piece 29are connected and fastened to each other by screws 85 and 86 through acase back 74. Both ends of a conductive wire 30 are respectivelyinserted into conductive terminal members 156 and 157, and coated withenlarged-diameter portions 161 and 162 formed at both ends of aninsulating surrounding member 160. The enlarged-diameter portions 161and 162 have projecting seal portions 163 and 164, respectively, formedintegrally thereon. The insulating surrounding member 160 iscontinuously formed so as to completely coat each of the conductivewires 30 between the enlarged-diameter portions 161 and 162. Both endsof each of the conductive wires 30, coated with the insulatingsurrounding members 160, are forced into conducting holes formed in theside of the case band 64 and conducting holes formed in a piece member39 among the constituent piece members of the band base, which containsa battery, a sensor and so on. In the case band 64, the end of each ofthe conductive wires 30 which projects from the tip of the conductiveterminal member 156 is brought into pressure contact with an elasticterminal piece 64b connected to the circuit substrate 64a provided inthe case band 64.

FIG. 27 illustrates a modified embodiment of the above embodiment. Inthis modified embodiment, an insulating surrounding member 168 has aninner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the conductive wire 30and has a gap between the conductive wire 30 and the insulatingsurrounding member 168. Each of the insulating surrounding members 168has a projecting seal portion 166 formed at an end 165 thereof, which isinserted into a conducting hole formed in the side of the watch caseband 64. The end 165 is held between the inner surface of the conductinghole and a cylindrical fitting member 167 which is forced into the holefrom the inside of the case band 64, and secured to the case band 64.When the case band 64 is made of a conductor such as a metal, thefitting member 167 preferably comprises an insulator for preventing poorinsulation. After the fitting members 167 are respectively forced intothe holes, the conductive wires 30 are conductively connected to anelastic terminal piece 64b by brazing. In this embodiment, each of theinsulating surrounding members 168 is made of a material havingflexibility, and the end piece 29' is rotatably provided on the watchcase band 64 by horns 65. When the end piece 29' is rotated, therefore,the insulating surrounding members 168 are deformed in accordance withthe direction of movement. In this case, since a gap is present betweenthe conductive wire 30 contained in each of the insulating surroundingmembers 168 and the insulating surrounding member 168 around thecircumference of each of the wires 30, the stress caused by deformationof the insulating surrounding member 168 is decreased. The fittingmember 167 securely fixes the end 165 of the insulating surroundingmember 168, and supports the conductive wire 30 passed therethrough fora predetermined length for preventing bending thereof. In this portion,the lengthwise displacement caused by bending of the conductive wire 30is absorbed by the elasticity of the elastic terminal piece 64b. In thiscase, for example, a hinge structure which permits bending of theconductive wire 30 is provided in the vicinity of the rotational axis ofthe end piece 29', or a slide structure is provided so as to be slidablyoverlapped on a portion of the conductive wire 30, thereby absorbing thelengthwise displacement of the conductive wire 30 and canceling stressto bend the conductive wire 30.

Each of the wiring structures shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is suitable fordisposing in the band shown in each of Embodiments 1 to 4. Particularly,the insulating surrounding member 160 shown in FIG. 26 is preferablyproduced by insert molding, as shown in FIG. 28. The conductive wire 30is previously fitted into the conductive terminal members 156 and 157,and then fixed by brazing, welding or caulking. Ring grooves 156a and157a are formed on the surfaces of the conductive terminal members 156and 157, respectively, and ring recessed portions a and b correspondingto the ring grooves 156a and 157a, respectively, are formed on thecavities of molds A and B. A synthetic resin material having elasticitywhich is the same as that used in Embodiment 6 is injected into themolds and then solidified to form the insulating surrounding member 160shown in FIG. 26.

In this embodiment, since the wiring and terminal portions are coatedwith the integral insulating surrounding member, the insulation workneed not be carried out for the terminal portions (or the connectingportion) of the conductive wires 30 during assembly, and the productioncost can thus be decreased. Since the projecting seal portion isintegrally formed, sufficient waterproofness and insulating propertiescan be securely provided, and the diameter of the connecting portion canbe decreased, thereby permitting an attempt to thin the case band 64.

The wiring structure shown in this embodiment has the same effects asthose of Embodiment 6. For example, when this embodiment is applied toEmbodiments 1 to 4, both ends of the wiring may be difficult to insertinto the pipes 50 and 51 because both ends are enlarged in diameter. Inthis case, each of the pipes preferably comprises a roll-formed platemade of a shape-memory-alloy and having an opening, and is previouslytreated so that the opening opens in a high temperature phase, andcloses in a low temperature phase. The wire may be inserted into theopening which is enlarged by heating, and then disposed in the band withthe opening closed by cooling.

[Embodiment 8]

FIG. 29 illustrates Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In thisembodiment, an insulating surrounding member 170 having the same endstructure as that in Embodiment 7 is connected between the case band 64and the end piece 29. In this embodiment, the same portions as those inEmbodiment 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and are notdescribed below. In this embodiment, the other ends 172 of theinsulating surrounding member 170 are terminated in the state where theycover the peripheries of the conductive wires 30, as shown in FIG. 29.As illustrated in FIG. 30, the ends are respectively passed throughthrough holes 182 and 183 of a mounting plate 180, through packings 82as seal members and then inserted into the conducting holes 192 and 193which are formed in a housing member 190 for a sensor or battery to becontained in the band.

The mounting plate 180 has fixing holes 181 and 184 through which screws87 and 88 are respectively screwed into threaded holes 191 and 192 ofthe housing member 190 so that the conductive wires 30 are fixed to thehousing member 190, as shown in FIG. 31. The conducting holes 192 and193 of the housing member 190 have the recessed portions 192a and 193b,respectively, formed at the opening verges thereof for receiving thepackings 82. The packings 82 which are received in the recessed portions192a and 193a are held under pressure in narrow portions between themounting plate 180 and the housing member 190 so as to tightly hold theconductive wires 30 by the deformation caused by pressure.

The housing member 190 has a recessed portion 190a formed on the sidewhere the conductive wires 30 are mounted so that the mounting plate 180can be received therein, the recessed portion 190a communicating with arecessed housing portion 190b through the conducting holes 192 and 193.An electronic function part such as a sensor or battery is contained inthe recessed housing portion 190b. A cover member (not shown) is mountedon the upper side of the housing member 190 so as to close the recessedhousing portion 190b. The cover member is mounted by a known method suchas screwing or caulking, and the mounting structure between the covermember and the housing member may be any desired structure such as astructure for holding packing under pressure, or a step-formed structurefor engaging both members. The housing member 190 may be disposed in apiece member of the band, or the housing member 190 itself may form apiece member of the band or a fastener (buckle) of the band.

In this embodiment, since the diameter of the end 172 is not enlarged,the conductive wires 30 coated with the insulating surrounding members170 can be inserted into the band after the band structure is completed,thereby facilitating production. The wiring connection to the electronicfunction part can also be securely performed. The conductive wires 30are reliably fixed to the receiving member 190 by the mounting plate180, thereby preventing application of a load to the connection pointsbetween the conductive wires 30 and the electronic function part.

A description will now be made of a plurality of embodiments in which aband base comprises a plurality of piece members rotatably connected toeach other.

[Embodiment 9]

FIGS. 32 to 36 illustrate Embodiment 9 of the present invention whichrelates to a piece member. Embodiment 9 comprises an outer sheath memberwhich forms an outer housing of a piece member, and an inner piecemember which is rotatably contained in the outer sheath member and whichhas the function to connect adjacent outer sheath members. The outersheath member and inner piece member may be made of any desiredmaterial, such as a metallic or non-metallic material, but both membersgenerally comprise a metallic plate material.

FIGS. 32A-32G are perspective views illustrating various examples ofconstruction of inner piece members. Each of inner piece members 210,220 and 230 is formed by bending a plate material by press working. Theinner piece members 210, 220 and 230 have openings 211, 221 and 222, and231 and 232, respectively, which are formed so as to permit conductivemembers to pass between plate portions formed by bending a platematerial. Of these various inner piece members, the inner piece member230 having curved end surfaces is most preferred in view of its fit withthe outer sheath member and rotational characteristics.

Inner piece members 240 and 250 comprise two plate parts 241 and 242,and 251 and 252, respectively, the plate parts having projectionportions 241a and 242a, 251a and 251b, and 252a and 252b, respectively,which are projected in a hook-like form, and which respectively contactthe surfaces of the opposite plate parts to secure the openings andspaces for passing the conductive members therethrough. In this way,since each of the inner piece members is divided into two plate parts,the design of each of the plate parts can easily be changed, forexample, uneven portions 241c' and 241c" can be formed on plate parts241" and 241", respectively.

FIG. 33 illustrates a base structure comprising a combination of theabove inner piece member 220 and an outer sheath member 310 which cancontains the inner piece member 220. The outer sheath member 310 isformed by bending a plate material in a square cylinder, and hasopenings 311 and 312 on the front and rear sides thereof, and open coverportions 313 and 314 on the right and left sides thereof. The innerpiece member 220 is inserted into the outer sheath member 310 from theopen cover portion 313 or 314 so that the rear end having the opening221 is exposed to the outside through the opening 311. At this time, theinner piece member 220 cannot be removed from the opening 311 due todifferences in the width.

Similarly, another inner piece member 220 is inserted into an adjacentouter sheath member, and the rear end of the other inner piece member220 which projects through the opening 311 is introduced into the outersheath member 310 through the front opening 312. In this state,connecting members 320 are respectively inserted and forced into theright and left open cover portions 313 and 314 to insert, with play,projecting shafts 321 and 322 of the connecting members 320 between theupper and lower plate parts of the inner piece members 220. As a result,the outer sheath members 310 are connected to each other through theinner piece members 220, as shown in FIG. 34.

After the band is assembled as described above, the band is subjected tobarrel polishing to form a mirror surface and washed, and then only thesurfaces of the outer sheath members are subjected to, for example, asatin finish, to form a good design without a masking work in which thesatin finish on the surfaces of the outer sheath members are clearlysymmetrical with the mirror surfaces of the inner piece members inrecessed portions.

This band structure is suitable for the present invention in the pointthat the conductive members can be inserted after assembly. When theband is placed in a line, as shown in FIG. 34, wiring can easily beperformed by inserting the conductive wires 30 into the openings.

The angle of rotation between respective piece members can be set on thebasis of the relation between the thickness of the inner piece membersand the height of the housing inner space of each of the outer sheathmembers. Namely, the rotation of respective adjacent piece members whenthe band is bent is limited to an angle where the front and rear ends ofan inner piece member contact the upper and lower surfaces of the insideof an outer sheath member. Thus a large local bending angle is notproduced in the band, and the deformation fatigue of the conductivemembers passed through the band can be decreased. However, if the angleof rotation is decreased, since the fitting properties deteriorate, theratio between the thickness of an inner piece member and the thicknessof an outer sheath member is preferably appropriately set inconsideration of balancing fitting properties, flexibility of theconductive members, and durability.

FIG. 35 illustrates a band structure which uses an inner piece memberwhich is similar to the inner piece member 240 shown in FIG. 32D, andthe same outer sheath members 310 and connecting members 320 as thoseshown in FIG. 33. The assembly method is also the same as that shown inFIG. 33 except that two plate parts 241' and 242 are contained in eachof the outer sheath members 310. In this embodiment, the appearance ofthe inner piece members which are respectively partly exposed from theouter sheath members 310 can be changed by the irregular portion 241c'formed on the plate parts 241'. For example, the recessed portions ofthe exposed inner piece members which are formed between the respectiveouter sheath members 310 shown in FIG. 34 can be made plane, as shown inFIG. 36.

The form of the border of each of the openings 311 and 312 of the outersheath members 310 shown in FIGS. 33 and 35 is not limited to a straightline as shown in the drawings, and the opening border can easily beformed in various forms such as a wave-like form, an irregular form andso on. Thus, the appearance can be made varied, and the change in onlythe shape of the opening border is advantageous for suppressing anincrease in cost.

FIG. 37 illustrates a band structure comprising a combination of theinner piece members 210 and the outer sheath members 330. Each of theouter sheath members 330 is provided with a rear opening 331, and afront opening 333 which is formed in the front side of a front receivingportion 332 forwardly projected. The inner piece members 210 arerespectively inserted into the outer sheath members 330 from an opencover portion 334 or 335, and the border of the opening 211 is drawn outforwardly from the opening 333 of each of the outer sheath members 330.The border of the opening 211 is introduced into the opening 331 of theadjacent outer sheath member 330 and engages a projecting shaft 322 ofeach of the connecting members 320.

In the thus assembled band, as shown in FIG. 38, the front receivingportions 332 are respectively combined with the openings 331 of theadjacent outer sheath members 330 to connect the outer sheath members toeach other. In this structure, since the inner piece members 210 arerespectively interposed between the borders of the openings 333 and theconductive members 30 passed therethrough, the borders do not directlycontact the conductive members 30. If each of the borders of theopenings 333 has a sharp form, no problem occurs, and the openings 333can be formed by cutting. On the other hand, since the front receivingportions 332 of the outer sheath members 330 are respectively insertedinto the openings 331 of the adjacent outer sheath members 330, theinner piece members are hardly exposed between the respective outersheath members 330, thereby permitting the arrangement of theappearance.

In the piece member 350 shown in FIG. 39, the functions of the innerpiece members 210 and the outer piece members 330 shown in FIGS. 37 and38 are realized by a single member. The piece member 350 has tongue-likeportions 350a and 350b which project rearwardly and between which anopening 351 is provided, a pair of projections 353 and 354 being formedon the left and right sides of the tongue-like portion 350a. The borderof the opening 351 is introduced into an adjacent piece member 350through a front opening 352 thereof, and engages the projecting shaft322 of the connecting member 320 shown in FIGS. 37 and 38. Thisstructure permits easy assembly work using a single piece member, and anattempt to decrease the assembly cost.

Although this embodiment relates to the case where two conductivemembers are passed through the band, one conductive member or at leastthree conductive members may be passed through the band, and aconductive member comprising a laminated foil or a flexible sheet(substrate) in which a wiring pattern is formed on a resin base may bepassed through the band.

[Embodiment 10]

FIG. 40 illustrates Embodiment 10 of the present invention. TheEmbodiment 10 has a band structure in which respective piece members 360are connected to each other through connecting members 370. Each of thepiece members 360 has the form of a square cylinder which issubstantially the same as that of the outer sheath members or the piecemembers of the above Embodiment 9, and is provided with front and rearopenings 361 and 362 and open cover portions 363 and 364 on the left andright sides thereof. On the other hand, each of the connecting members370 has, at the center thereof, a bridge-like portion 371 having alength which is substantially the same as the width of the piece members360, and square cylinder-formed portions 372 and 373 at both ends of thebridge-like portion 371.

An engaging member 380 having a bridge-like portion 381 and engagingplates 382 and 383 provided at both ends thereof is inserted into theconnecting members 370, and a pair of piece members 360 are insertedbetween the square cylinder-formed portions 372 and 373 of connectingmember 370 from the front and rear sides thereof. Since the engagingplates 382 and 383 of the engaging member 380 have engaging ribs 384 and385, respectively, which are provided on the surfaces thereof, whenconnecting members 390 are respectively forced into the squarecylinder-formed portions 372 and 373 of the connecting members 370,engaging grooves 393 respectively formed on the bottom of the connectingmembers 390 engage the engaging ribs 384 and 385 of the engaging member380. At the same time, projecting shafts 391 and 392 of the connectingmember 390 engage each of the open cover portions 363 and 364 of thepiece members 360 through the square cylinder-formed portions 372 and373 of connecting member 370 to bring about a state where the piecemembers 360 and the connecting members 370 are alternately connected, asshown in FIG. 41.

This band structure is the same as that of the above Embodiment 9 inthat it comprises two types of members including the piece members 360and the connecting members 370. However, in this embodiment, since theexposed area of each of the piece members 360 corresponding to the innerpiece members of Embodiment 9 can be increased, and the exposed areacan, of course, be decreased, the limits on the band design can furtherbe decreased, as compared with Embodiment 9.

In Embodiment 10, as shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, even if the distancebetween the piece members 360 is increased, the width of the bridge-likeportions 371 can be adjusted so as not to expose the internal conductivewires, thereby facilitating design of the band. It is also apparent thatthe distance between the piece members 360 can easily be changed bychanging the form of the connecting members 370.

Although, in Embodiment 10, the connecting member 370 and the engagingmember 380 are separately formed, both members can integrally be formed,for example, another bridge-like form may be provided on the lower sideof each of the connecting members 370. Alternatively, the connectingmembers 390 may respectively engage directly the square cylinder-formedportions 372 and 373 of each of the connecting members 370 in place ofthe engagement structure comprising the connecting members 390 and theengaging members 380. Further, an irregular portion 360c' can beprovided on an exposure surface, as in the piece member 360' shown inFIG. 43, and the design of the border of each of the openings can bechanged in a variety of ways.

[Embodiment 11]

FIGS. 44 to 46 illustrate a structure in accordance with Embodiment 11of the present invention. Embodiment 11 relates to a band structure inwhich elliptic cylinder-formed piece members 400 are connected to eachother through connecting members 410. Each of the piece members 400 hasfront and rear openings 401 and 402 for passing conductive memberstherethrough, and open cover portions 403 and 404 on the left and rightsides thereof. Each of the connecting members 410 has a rectangularframe form comprising an upper frame 411, a lower frame 412 and left andright sides 413 and 414, engaging arms 415 and 416, and 417 and 418projecting from the sides 413 and 414, respectively. The engaging arms415, 416, 417 and 418 are extended forward or rearward, folded towardthe base side and further bent to form engaging ends 415a (not shown),416a, 417a and 418a, respectively, which are inwardly extended towardthe center from the sides 413 and 414.

In this band structure, each of the connecting members 410 is formed byfolding a plate material in a rectangular form, as shown by the presenceof a butt portion 412a of the lower frame 412 (FIG. 44). The piecemembers 400 and the connecting members 410 are combined by the methodbelow, as shown in FIG. 45. After the engaging arms 415, 416, 417 and418 are formed, the upper frame 411, the lower frame 412 and the sides413 and 414 of each of the connecting members 410 are formed by folding.However, the piece members 400 are respectively brought into to contactwith the connecting members 410 before folding, and the engaging ends415a (not shown), 416a, 417a and 418a engage the open cover portions 403and 404 of the piece members 400 during formation of the upper frame 411and the sides 413 and 414 by folding. The sides 413 and 414 and thelower frame 412 are finally formed by folding to close the piece membersby the butt portions 412a.

Since this embodiment, assembled as described above, is provided withthe engaging arms, the band structure comprises only two types of partsincluding the piece members and the connecting members, and thus has theeffect of decreasing the production cost. In addition, since each of theengaging arms has a bent form, the flexibility and elasticity can beadjusted by changing the bent form and the length, and it is possible tomaintain proper rotational resistance to the band or to limit the angleof rotation between the respective piece members for protecting theconductive members passed through the band. Further, the distancebetween adjacent engaging arms can be adjusted so as to create contactforce between adjacent piece members by the elasticity of the engagingarms, or prevent contact between adjacent piece members when the band isstretched.

In Embodiment 11, the design of each of the piece members and connectingmembers is highly flexible. For example, an irregular portion 400c canbe provided on the upper side of each of the piece members 400, or aprojecting edge 400d can be provided on the upper and lower portions ofthe open cover portion of each of the piece members 400, as shown bydotted lines in FIG. 46. This can be applied to the connecting members410.

[Embodiment 12]

Finally, Embodiment 12 comprises different conductive members isdescribed with reference to FIGS. 47 and 48. Although a conductive wirewith an insulating coating shown in each of the above embodiments isgenerally used as a conductive member, particularly, when the durabilityof the conductive member is taken into account, there is the danger thatthe conductive member is cracked or cut due to the repeated stresscaused by deformation of the band. It is thus preferable to useconductive wires 500 which are helically or wavily bent, as shown inFIG. 47. Since each of the conductive wires 500 is provided withelasticity in the direction of extension due to the helical or wavy formthereof, the conductive wires 500 can easily expand and contract in thedirection of extension thereof and bend at the time of deformation ofthe band, the resistance to the repeated deformation of the band can beincreased.

Each of the conductive wires 500 is contained in an insulating tube 510for maintaining the form of the wires so as to permit the wires tofollow deformation of the band, and prevent wearing or deflection of thehelical or wavy form from occurring due to unnecessary contact indeformation of the band, and is connected to a conductive terminalmember 520 exposed from the end of the insulating tube, as shown in FIG.48. Although the conductive wires 500 are generally helically or wavilybent over the whole length thereof, the wires may be partly bent in theform. Particularly, only a portion subjected to large deformation, e.g.,portions passed through the pipes 50 shown in FIG. 47, may be helicallybent. In this way, when only a portion of each of the conductive wiresis bent, the production cost can be decreased, and the average diameterof a portion for containing the conductive wires 500 can be decreased,thereby thinning the band.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, in the present invention, an electronic apparatuscomprises a fitting band containing conductive members, an end pieceengaged a case, and a base rotatably connected to the end piece. Thefitting properties are thus improved because the base rotates by its ownweight when set on an arm. In addition, since the conductive members areheld by the end piece, but rotatably disposed with respect to the base,the stress applied to the connection portion between the case and theconductive members can be decreased even if the fitting band isdeformed, and the stress applied to the internal conductive members anddeformation thereof can also be decreased. It is thus possible toincrease electrical durability, reliability and safety.

Since the end piece is fixed to the case, the conductive members are notsubjected to deformation and load in the connection portion between thecase and the fitting band, and thus durability of the conductive memberscan be ensured. Since the design of the portion mounted on the case canbe freely applied to a "Roof-attached Horn style" structure, a "Tow Hornstyle" structure or a structure "without a horn", the limitations ondesign can be decreased.

The hollow members are arranged along the rotation axis, even if thebase is rotated, the deformation of the conductive members respectivelypassed through the hollow members can be suppressed, and positions ofthe conductive members in the direction of extension of the fitting bandcan be maintained. It is thus possible to increase the durability,reliability and safety of the conductive members without applying alocal load or a large deformation thereto.

Since each of the hollow members comprises a cylindrical connectingshaft so as to further have the function to position and support androtatably connect the conductive members, the connecting structure issimplified, the number of necessary parts is decreased, and the assemblybecomes easy.

The portions between the respective piece members which form the baseexhibit the same functions and effects as those described above.

Since the auxiliary secondary battery is provided in the band, thestorage capacity can be increased without limiting the housing capacity,and excess electric power which cannot be stored in the secondarybattery in the watch case can be stored in the auxiliary secondarybattery, thereby increasing the operating time with no power generation,and significantly decreasing the amount of electric power that isdiscarded for preventing overcharging, as compared with a conventionalstructure.

If the auxiliary secondary battery is intermitted by using a selectiveswitching circuit, the synthetic capacity of the secondary battery andthe auxiliary secondary battery can be adjusted by an operating membersuch as an operating button or the like or the control means, ifrequired, and an accident such as a disconnection, short-circuit and soon on the side of the auxiliary secondary battery can thus be copedwith.

The current limiting means can prevent a voltage drop on the side of thewatch case during charging of the auxiliary secondary battery.

The insulating surrounding member can reliably ensure insulatingproperties in the portions where the conductive members are passedthrough, and thus prevent the poor insulation caused by adhesion ofsweat or water.

Since the insulating surrounding members are fixed to the case with agap between the insulating surrounding members and the conductivemembers and are provided with flexibility, the conductive members areslightly stressed even if the insulating surrounding members aredeformed by rotation of the fitting band, and it is thus possible toprevent the occurrence of poor insulation and disconnection of theconductive members.

Since a projecting seal portion is integrally provided so that theinsulating surrounding members ensure insulating properties andwaterproofness in the portions where the conductive members are passedthrough, it is possible to prevent poor insulation or deterioration indurability caused by corrosion with a liquid, and to easily assemble theportions where the conductive wires are passed through.

A member's coating portion is integrally provided on the insulatingsurrounding members so as to further function as an insulating coatingfor each of the conductive members in the direction of extensionthereof.

Since the ends of the conductive members can be securely connected tothe electronic function member in the fitting band without enlargeddiameter portions at the ends, such as insulating surrounding members,sealing portions or terminals, the conductive members can be passedafter the fitting band is produced, thereby facilitating the assemblywork.

Since a plurality of piece members which form the fitting band areconnected to each other with an angle of rotation within a limitedrange, it is possible to prevent application of a large localdeformation to the conductive members passed through the fitting band,and to attempt to prevent a disconnection accident and improve thedurability. Specific structures of such a fitting band are describedherein. These structures are assembled so as to be rotatable within apredetermined range of rotation without limiting the movement of theconductive members passed through the band. The design of the innerpiece members can easily be changed. An attempt can be made to decreaseproduction cost without increasing the number of parts. Since theconnecting portion between the piece members can be covered by abridge-like portion, the distance between adjacent piece members can befreely changed while preventing exposure of the conductive members.Since engaging arms are integrally provided on a connecting member, theneed to prepare other engaging members for connection can be eliminated,and thus an attempt can be made to decrease the number of parts.

Since the conductive members are formed so that they can expand andcontract in the direction of extension thereof, and an insulatingcoating is provided on each of the conductive members withoutinterfering with expansion and contraction, it is possible to preventdamage to the conductive members, such as cracking or cutting, caused bydeformation of the fitting band, and thus to improve the durability ofthe conductive members.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic apparatus with a fitting band,comprising a case and a fitting band containing conductive memberstherein;wherein said fitting band comprises an end piece engaging saidcase, and a base connected to said end piece so as to be rotatable inthe direction of bending of said fitting band during fastening, and saidconductive members are contained in a state where they are held to saidend piece with at least a predetermined strength, and movable for atleast a predetermined amount relative to said base, and at least aportion of said conductive members is provided so as to be substantiallyparallel to the direction of bending of said fitting band duringfastening.
 2. An electronic apparatus with a fitting band according toclaim 1, wherein said end piece is fixed to said case.
 3. An electronicapparatus with a fitting band according to claim 1, wherein hollowmembers are provided between said end piece and said base so as to besubstantially parallel to the direction of bending of said fitting bandduring fastening, said conductive members being respectively passedthrough said hollow members.
 4. An electronic apparatus with a fittingband according to claim 3, wherein each of said hollow members comprisesa cylindrical connecting shaft which is mounted between said end pieceand said base.
 5. An electronic apparatus with a fitting band accordingto claim 3, wherein said base comprises a plurality of piece memberswhich are connected to each other in the direction of extension of saidfitting band so that adjacent piece members are connected so as to berotatable in the direction of bending of said fitting band duringfastening, and hollow members are disposed at least between piecemembers, in which said conductive members are disposed, so as to besubstantially parallel to the direction of bending of said fitting bandduring fastening, said conductive members being respectively passedthrough said hollow members.
 6. An electronic apparatus with a fittingband according to claim 1, wherein said case contains a generatingdevice, a secondary battery for storing the electric power generated bysaid generating device, and an electronic device driven by the outputfrom said secondary battery, and said fitting band contains an auxiliarysecondary battery for storing excess electric power of the electricpower generated by said generating device, which cannot be stored insaid secondary battery.
 7. An electronic apparatus with a fitting bandaccording to claim 6, further comprising a selective switching circuitfor selectively supplying electric power to said auxiliary secondarybattery and taking out electric power therefrom.
 8. An electronicapparatus with a fitting band according to claim 7, wherein saidselective switching circuit is provided with control means forintermitting connection of said auxiliary secondary battery on the basisof the charging state of said secondary battery in order to adjust thecharging rate of said secondary battery or prevent overcharging of saidsecondary battery.
 9. An electronic apparatus with a fitting bandaccording to claim 7, wherein said selective switching circuit isprovided with control means for intermitting connection of saidauxiliary secondary battery when detecting an abnormality of saidauxiliary secondary battery.
 10. An electronic apparatus with a fittingband according to claim 7, wherein said selective switching circuit isprovided with current limiting means for limiting a charging current forsaid auxiliary secondary battery.
 11. An electronic apparatus with afitting band according to claim 1, wherein each of said conductivemembers is bent in the direction crossing the direction of extensionthereof so that it can expand and contract in said direction ofextension, an insulating coating being formed on the periphery of eachof said conductive members without interfering with expansion andcontraction thereof.